Secretary of State Hillary Clinton took time to stroll through one of Dublin’s most iconic streets on Sunday, accompanied by Ambassador and Mrs. Rooney. Dublin shoppers along the pedestrian corridor of Grafton Street were surprised to see Secretary Clinton arrive fresh from her meetings with Taoiseach Brian Cowen and President Mary McAleese.

The Secretary posed for pictures with families and some fellow Americans who were visiting Dublin. “We’re from New Jersey!” one couple shouted before the Secretary smiled and gave them enthusiastic thumbs up. The crowd moved with the Secretary towards Bewley’s Café where she ordered a coffee to go. The cafe buzzed with delighted customers who had just settled in for an uneventful cup of coffee before heading off into the crisp evening. The second story window seats at Bewley’s proved to be the ideal spot for people watching when the Secretary and her entourage gathered below. Customers old and young pressed their faces to the glass, and seemed unsure whether to run downstairs and join the crowd or stay seated upstairs for the birds eye view.

Young mothers held their children above the crowds outside of McDaid’s and one told her son to “look for the lady in the yellow scarf!” The crowd shifted back to South Anne Street where Secretary Clinton warmly thanked Ambassador and Mrs. Rooney. Onlookers continued to cheer and snap pictures on their cell phones as the lady in the yellow scarf, Secretary Clinton, departed for Dublin Airport and concluded her first official visit as Secretary of State to Ireland.

Dear Meghan: What a lovely review of Secretary Clinton's visit to Ireland. It sounds as if she was properly welcomed -- no surprise that the Irish people would provide such enthusiasm. Thank you for sharing!

Amy

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Michigan, USA

October 19, 2009

Amy in Michigan writes:

Dear Meghan: This is a great write-up of Secretary Clinton's visit to Dublin. I wish I had been there!